After the long night... It
Chuck Smith teaches that Christians are called to live in awareness and readiness for Christ's imminent return, casting off darkness and embracing the light.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith exhorts believers to live with a heightened awareness of the times, emphasizing that the return of Christ is imminent. He clarifies that while the world will be caught off guard, Christians are called to be spiritually awake and prepared. Through scriptural exposition, Smith encourages the church to cast off darkness, embrace the light, and watch for the signs of Christ's coming.
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And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, ...not in strife and envying: but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:11-14).
Jesus Christ never intended for His people to be taken by surprise at His coming. He intends for you to be totally aware of the time of His return, so that you would be watching, waiting, and ready when He comes again. Scriptures that refer to His coming again as \"a thief in the night\" do not refer to the way the Church will experience His return, but to the way the world will see it. The coming of Christ will take the world totally by surprise - but not the Christian. Paul said, \"You are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief. You are the children of the light\" (I Thessalonians 5:4,5).
\"Knowing the time.\" The children of the light know that the coming of the Lord is very near. We know we live near the end, because God has placed so much evidence and proof in the world events around us - signs that are intended to alert us to the hour and the day in which we are living.
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Sermon Outline
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I. The Urgency of the Time
- The night is far spent, the day is at hand
- Salvation is nearer than when we first believed
- Call to awake out of spiritual sleep
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II. The Christian's Awareness of Christ's Return
- Believers are children of the light, not taken by surprise
- The world will be caught unaware like a thief in the night
- Scriptural evidence points to the nearness of Christ's coming
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III. Living in the Light
- Cast off works of darkness
- Put on the armor of light and the Lord Jesus Christ
- Avoid fleshly lusts and live honestly
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IV. The Signs of the Times
- World events as evidence of the end times
- God's purpose in revealing signs
- Encouragement to watch and be ready
Key Quotes
“Jesus Christ never intended for His people to be taken by surprise at His coming.” — Chuck Smith
“You are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief. You are the children of the light.” — Chuck Smith
“Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Stay spiritually alert and aware of the times to avoid being caught unprepared.
- Live a life that reflects the light of Christ by rejecting sinful behaviors.
- Regularly examine world events in light of biblical prophecy to strengthen your faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'awake out of sleep'?
It means to become spiritually alert and aware of the times, living in readiness for Christ's return.
Why will Christ's coming be like a thief in the night?
It will surprise the world, but not believers who are watching and prepared.
How can Christians live in the light?
By casting off sinful behaviors and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ through faith and obedience.
What are the signs that indicate Christ's return is near?
Various world events and scriptural prophecies serve as evidence pointing to the nearness of His coming.
How should believers respond to the knowledge of Christ's imminent return?
They should live honestly, avoid fleshly lusts, and be spiritually vigilant.